Compare your options
Do it yourself, hire a freelancer, or hire us?
An honest look at cost, time and results for a small-business website. Sometimes the right answer is not us, and this page will tell you when.
Calculator
What will it really cost you?
The price tag is only half of it. Your own hours count too. Move the sliders to match your business.
Side by side
What matters most to you?
Tick what you care about. We highlight those rows and tell you which option fits best, even when it is not us.
Tick at least one box above.
We score each option 0 to 2 on what you pick and show the best fit here.
| What you get | DIY builder0 | Freelancer0 | Zentorum0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 to start, then about $15–$40 a month | Often $1,000–$5,000, depending on who you hire | From $1,250 for 1–5 pages, $2,500 for 6–15 |
| Time to launch | A weekend to a few months, depending on your free time | Often several weeks; depends on their workload | 3–11 days for most sites |
| Your time | 20–40 hours to learn, write and build, then upkeep | 8–12 hours of briefs, writing and reviews | About 3–5 hours: one call and 2 review rounds |
| Design | A template many other businesses also use | Can be custom; quality depends on the person | Custom, designed for phones first |
| Getting found on Google | Basic settings you set up yourself | Varies; SEO is often a separate skill | Fast, phone-first build; SEO plans from $200 a month |
| Help when something breaks | The builder’s help desk, for platform problems only | One person; depends on whether they are free | Call or text the team; replies within 6 hours |
| Owning your site | Tied to the builder and hard to move | Usually yours; check the contract | Final files are yours after payment |
| Editing it yourself | Easy; that is what builders are made for | Depends on how they build it | 2 rounds of changes included; later changes on request |
Scores: 2 = strong, 1 = OK, 0 = weak. Freelancer and builder notes describe typical cases; good and bad ones exist everywhere.
Straight answers
When each one is the right call
DIY builder
You have more time than budget
Just starting out, testing an idea or happy to learn? A builder is a fine first step. Keep it to a few pages, write clearly and use our free tools to check it.
Freelancer
You already know someone good
A freelancer you trust, with work you have seen, can be great value. Ask for a fixed quote, a timeline and who owns the files before you start.
Zentorum
You want it done right, and soon
A custom site, live in days, with a team you can call. You spend a few hours, not a few weekends. See a free mockup first.
Questions
Still deciding?
Can I start with a builder and switch later?
Yes. Many businesses do. Moving usually means rebuilding the design, but your words, photos and domain come with you. Keep your domain in your own name from day one.
Why is a freelancer not always cheaper?
The quote may be lower, but you often write the words, chase updates and handle hosting yourself. Add your hours and the gap can close.
Do you work with sites built on Wix or Squarespace?
Yes. We can review what you have with our free website teardown and tell you whether to keep it, fix it or rebuild.
What does Zentorum actually cost?
Websites start at $1,250 for 1–5 pages and $2,500 for 6–15 pages or a store, with 2 rounds of changes and files you own. See all packages and prices.